Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Strike 2024 (98 16x19 and 100 16x20)

[TW Staff]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

For the first playtest of 2024, we are pleased to offer a limited playtest of the brand new Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 and Pure Strike 100 16x20. This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with two set of strings (one poly/one multi). We will have two grip sizes available - grip 2 and 3.

Application period is now closed. Selected participants will receive an email by January 10th, 2024.

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by February 9th, 2024 by 5 pm PST.

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Top Spin/Slice-
Comfort-
Feel-
Maneuverability-
Stability-

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Thanks,
TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the racquets.

 

[hitthefence38]

Ooo, I am looking forward to the reviews of this racket. I wonder if it will be a previous strikes... Hopefully the colors stay the same too.

 

[taylor15]

100 inch 16x20 with a 61ra looks really interesting. Nice to see real updates in the pure strike line.

New graphics look awesome too.

 

[taylor15]

Ooo, I am looking forward to the reviews of this racket. I wonder if it will be a previous strikes... Hopefully the colors stay the same too.

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wonder no longer . I think the new colors look cleaner, never loved the orange grommets.

 

[A_Instead]

Fun Times are back...

 

[Fighting phoenix]

Awesome! As a former avid user of the 16x19 98 Pure Strike and lover of the new PA frames, excited about this release and the unique new specs!

 

[Alcawrath]

Awesome! As a former avid user of the 16x19 98 Pure Strike and lover of the new PA frames, excited about this release and the unique new specs!

Agreed! I've demoed most of the previous versions and can't wait to see how the 2024 line stacks up!

 

[socallefty]

Awesome! As a former avid user of the 16x19 98 Pure Strike and lover of the new PA frames, excited about this release and the unique new specs!

Are there any differences in specs between the Gen 3 and Gen 4 Strikes apart from adding a couple of new models and anecdotes of increased sweet spots? I compared the Strike VS specs with the new Strike 97 and they seem to be exactly the same including for stiffness even though they are supposed to have incorporated HF2 technology to change the way vibrations are damped.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

Are there any differences in specs between the Gen 3 and Gen 4 Strikes apart from adding a couple of new models and anecdotes of increased sweet spots? I compared the Strike VS specs with the new Strike 97 and they seem to be exactly the same including for stiffness even though they are supposed to have incorporated HF2 technology to change the way vibrations are damped.

More flexible it appears, especially the 100 16x20, plus that one looks pretty head light so different balance / options in the 100 inch at least.

 

[Trip]

EXTREMELY interested in testing the 100 16x20 -- for all the obvious reasons! Looking to see how it stacks up to the Prestige MP-L 16x19 (65RA 21.5mm beam 16x19), as well as the 2019 Prince Textreme Tour 100P (66RA 100" 18x20), among others!

 

[SlowTiger]

Wonder if this is softer then V3. But with some arm issues, and a better endurance, I planned on going back to the pure strike VS when the weather warms up

 

[FrankyRelax]

Very intrigued by the softer stiffness numbers

 

[Trip]

Wonder if this is softer then V3. But with some arm issues, and a better endurance, I planned on going back to the pure strike VS when the weather warms up

All of them are softer, save for the PSVS-to-97 transition, which is roughly the same, but the PSVS was already in the low 60's, so at this point the entire line is in the low 60's RA.

 

[cd3768]

Wonder how this will play. I was on the 100 playtest for the 3rd gen. Interesting to see they went with a 16x20 instead of 16x19. Honestly good idea.
I have a Gravity MP (G360+), Shift 300, and Steam 100 - all of which are 16x20’s, so I’d like to see how they compare to the PS100.

 

[Ombudsman]

Yes!!

Love that the PS100 has a 61 RA, may just be the change many need. Look forward to the feedback.

 

[A_Instead]

Looking forward to hearing about the new 100..

 

[18x20 ftw]

I have five of the current pure strikes in 3rd gen, great racquets. Really looking forward to seeing how the new ones perform.

 

[SinneGOAT]

I’ve been waiting a long time for the new strike, it’s been on my mind as a frame to move on to from my extremes due to the extra mass. Looking forward to everyone’s feedback!

 

[Soundbyte]

Throwing my name back into the mix for playtests once again for the 98. Have the PSVS and have used all the prior gens. Interesting to see what the new changes are like.

As always, Thanks TW for doing this!

Edit: just browsed the specs and realized the 100 looks more like the VS than the 98 (but there's the 97 [PSVS successor] too). More options than I was expecting!

 

[Chairman3]

Like the new look, very clean
Also glad they didn't ditch the VS, just renamed. Wonder if it changed at all though?

 

[SinneGOAT]

Like the new look, very clean
Also glad they didn't ditch the VS, just renamed. Wonder if it changed at all though?

If I had to guess ways it changed they may have made the swingweight a little lighter or feel, the feel was a little muted on the previous gen, which I enjoyed and didn’t feel upset by.

Edit: on the 16/19(model im most interested in) they’ve bumped up the swingweight to 330. Interesting, maybe even more powerful than Gen 3?

 

[StringStrungStrang]

If you like the last 2 gens of Babolat's Pure Strike you should like the styling of the new Gen 4 !
Can't wait to experience the Pure Strike's new softer side - RA of 64. The feel should be off the charts !!
New subtler graphics, "Back in Black" bumper guard and 2x the red/orange to like !! Sign me up !!

 

[Chairman3]

the feel was a little muted

Looks like it has the flax insert things they used on the 23 Pure Aero, which I have used, and it wasn't bad. Dampened feeling but not totally disconnected. Definitely took away some of that stiff Babolat feel, but in a good way.

 

[Soundbyte]

As a PK7G fan, the 16x20 Strike looks very interesting. Very similar to the standard length 5G, but less stiff.

Most excited about that one. Historically I have not enjoyed the Pure Strike line other than the VS.

 

[Molk]

Yes!!

Love that the PS100 has a 61 RA, may just be the change many need. Look forward to the feedback.

 

[Molk]

Wow! Great point. Finally, some arm friendly racquets.

 

[TennisHound]

Having a lower RA and tighter pattern, it sounds like the 100 16x20 leans more toward the first gen PS VS

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[Holic]

Well, since they removed fsi power and replaced it with fsi control the launch angle should be lower and thats a GOOD THING

 

[TennisHound]

Power is nice to have, but the Strikes have always felt a little “unfinished” or needed “fine-tuning”. Maybe lowering the stiffness will finally give it a better/ more refined feel.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

Having a lower RA and tighter pattern, it sounds like the 100 16x20 leans more toward the first gen PS VS

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Of all Babolat's new Pure Strike Family the 16x20 100 is the most interesting. I am very interested to hear what people say about this one, especially with an RA of 61. Could these lower RAs deliver that solid feel that we all crave? Till now I've gotten there (easily) with some lead tape, silicone and power pads on my PO17. Still, personally I went with what I know in the PS 98 16x19.
Did anyone notice the recommended string tensions have dropped too? Another subtle shift in products or just marketing recognizing that players are going lower now?

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

@TW Staff if you ever can do the same thing for Europe, I'd be very glad to playtest tennis rackets for Tennis Warehouse and post my feedback on YouTube and Instagram accompanied by hitting clips with voiceovers and texts.

 

[McLovin]

Throwing my name back into the mix for playtests once again for the 98. Have the PSVS and have used all the prior gens. Interesting to see what the new changes are like.

As always, Thanks TW for doing this!

Edit: just browsed the specs and realized the 100 looks more like the VS than the 98 (but there's the 97 [PSVS successor] too). More options than I was expecting!

Here’s hoping one of us makes the cut.

 

[Purestriker]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

For the first playtest of 2024, we are pleased to offer a limited playtest of the brand new Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 and Pure Strike 100 16x20. This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with two set of strings (one poly/one multi). We will have two grip sizes available - grip 2 and 3.

Please send applications to discussadmin@tennis-warehouse.com with the below information:

Title: Babolat Pure Strike 2024 Playtest
Full Name:
Shipping Address (one line):
Email:
Username:
Racquet choice: (98 16x19 or 100 16x20):
Grip Size (2 or 3):

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by {check back soon}.

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Top Spin/Slice-
Comfort-
Feel-
Maneuverability-
Stability-

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Thanks,
TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the racquets.

Been looking forward to this racket release for a long time.

 

[badmice2]

Very interesting to see the 100. Spec mirrors the Gravity MP, but slightly beefier overall weight. What will be telling is whether it plays like a buttery flex like a Gravity/PT630 frame vs. a modern day constructed frame - meaning if the frame is a true 61 RDC vs the flex being contributed through the string pattern.

 

[A_Instead]

If the new PS100 plays like a Gravity MP and offers more pop and no pain..
looks like I will be trying the new PS 100..

 

[ChanterRacquet]

16x20 the lovechild of Gravity and Shift? Or just Babo’s version of a Gravity?

 

[PMF]

Wow. I really like the specs of the 100 16x20. If the play testers say it’s comfortable, I will be interested.

 

[Alcawrath]

With the pure strike line in direct competition with Wilson blades, Head radicals & gravities, Yonex percepts, and to a lesser degree, Dunlop CXs, TF40s, and WOs, I'm really excited to read the results from this playtest to see how the latest PS generation stacks up against the competition and how it distinguishes itself from the field. Especially with the percept line being released within the last six months and a new blade release imminent!

 

[badmice2]

If the new PS100 plays like a Gravity MP and offers more pop and no pain..
looks like I will be trying the new PS 100..

Whats more, PS 100 is 7 pts headlight as oppose to Gravity which is 4. On paper it swings faster with more static weight…

 

[TennisHound]

The Strikes take lead pretty well and it’s almost light enough to add weight.

 

[AZJ1973]

Very interested in the 100 16x20 due to the flex rating. However, I am seeing differing ratings. TW says 61, and T Express says 64. Do they use different scales?

 

[darkother]

Interesting that both Babolat and Yonex are putting out 100 sq. in. 16x20 racquets so close to each other, after not really offering anything similar in the last several years. Will be really fun to compare this and the Percept 100d once this releases!

 

[Trip]

Interesting that both Babolat and Yonex are putting out 100 sq. in. 16x20 racquets so close to each other

Not quite. There's the Strike 100 16x20 and 100 16x19, and there's the Percept 100D 18x19 and 100 16x19. So the two more dense patterns from each brand are a bit different. Still, nice to see those options from both!

 

[darkother]

Not quite. There's the Strike 100 16x20 and 100 16x19, and there's the Percept 100D 18x19 and 100 16x19. So the two more dense patterns from each brand are a bit different. Still, nice to see those options from both!

Ahh yep you’re right! I’m a fan of 16x20 patterns and the Percept paint so I meshed those two together haha

 

[Fintft]

Very interested in the 100 16x20 due to the flex rating. However, I am seeing differing ratings. TW says 61, and T Express says 64. Do they use different scales?

I'm also interested for the above reasons, although I think that sometimes numbers don't tell the whole story.

My second curiosity would be if it's more powerful than a TGT 293.1 27.25", while being close in control.

Cheers!

 

[Djinn]

As others have mentioned, I’m also very interested in the 100” 16x20. It would be interesting to see how it stacks up against the Percept 100D as well as the Gravity MP.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

The Strike has always been the perfect compliment to the Pure Aero and Pure Drive ! As dynamic as those racquets are, somehow I can't my Pure Strikes (9816x19) down. Babolat seems to put some extra magic in these (power, control, spin and maneuverability) and you can never have too much magic !!

 

[usatennisfan]

Excited to possibly play test the pure strike. I have tested every pure strike since its original release. The 16x20 100 might be the end of my racquet journey hopefully!

 

[PBODY99]

Interesting spec revisions. As a port player I am waiting to see how this compares to the Prince Tour 100

 

[Crimsonchen]

Also excited to see how the ps100 16x20 performs. I loved the pure storm back in the day and haven't cuddled with babolat outside of the aero storm and pure aero vs. curious how comfortable the racquet is since I know a lot of the babolat frames are a bit stiff